Village Won't Extend Utilities To Bardwell

LAKEWOOD — Residents and lot owners in the Bardwell Subdivision in Lakewood will not have water and sewer lines extended into their neighborhood, according to Village Administrator Mike Friesen.

The 28 property owners in the subdivision were sent a questionnaire last month to determine whether they were willing to pay to have the village's utility lines extended to them. Several owners of vacant lots told the Village Board that the soil would not support septic systems.

Village trustees said the property owners would have to assume 100 percent of the costs associated with the utility extension, estimated at $14,000 per lot owner, plus tap-in fees.

On the questionnaire, 11 Bardwell property owners, 10 of whom own vacant land, said they would be willing to assume the costs of sewer and water lines. Fifteen voted against the proposal. For the sewer only option, 14 property owners voted in favor and 13 voted against.

Because of the expense involved, trustees said 75 percent of the property owners would have to respond favorably for the village to attempt to create a special service district to fund the project.